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Sports fans and art lovers unite! Western Avenue Studios and the Lowell Spinners continue their partnership this August 11th with “Art in the Park,” a unique chance to browse and purchase creative works by Western Ave Artists at LeLacheur Park, and with a Silent Auction, the proceeds of which will go towards Spinners charities and Loading Dock Arts, a 501(c)3 charity that supports art education and resources in Lowell.

Up for auction will be original works of art created using Spinners baseballs and other gaming equipment. Check out a sneak preview below of some of the works of baseball art that will be for auction at the August 11th game at LeLacheur Park, and get your tickets to the game online here to be part of the action! The game will be followed by fireworks.

In a year like this one it should come as no surprise that the “Primped Out Pumpkin Contest,” one of the annual events at ARToberfest, had it’s share of political commentary. Shanna Thompson, of studio 210, took things a step further and let ARToberfest visitors vote for their choice for President.

The results of this pre-election by artists and art-lovers followed national polls. Hillary took the lead over the Trumpkin – but not by as much as you’d think (or hope depending on your political bent.) So take that as a warning, when it comes to elections nothing is ever for certain. In keeping in this spirit, Western Avenue Studios is an early voting location this year. Lowell residents are invited to skip the long election day lines and cast their vote early on Sunday October 30th, from 10:00 to 2:00, at Western Avenue Studios, located at 122 Western Ave, in Lowell, MA.

Also on the ballot is your chance to voice your opinion on your Representative in Congress, the Governor’s Councilor, the State Senator, State Representative, and Sheriff. You’ll also have your chance to weigh in on ballot Question One (an additional slot parlor), Question Two (expanding charter schools), Three (quality of life rights for farm animals) and Question Four (legalizing recreational marijuana.)

The Whistler House Museum of Art has given their 2016 juried members exhibit a “wild” theme this year – and many of the artists at Western Avenue Studios have been included in the show. “Kingdom Animalia” shows off the animal loving side of art with more than eighty original pieces in a variety of mediums.

Quebec Cat by Art Ferrier, studio 503

Moose by Ilene Richard, studio 325

Red Lion Fish by Val Borgal, studio 504

Lollipop Panda by Jack Holmes, studio A207

“The Kingdom Animalia exhibition came out of discussions of people’s love for pets, and we chose to expand the subject to include all animals,” says President and Executive Director Sara Bogosian. “The result is a wondrous array of paintings, drawings, sculpture, and fiber art of creatures large and small. It is an overwhelming and lovely exhibition that all ages will enjoy.”

Call Me Sweetheart by Nita Leger Casey, studio 407A

Homage to Julia by Laurie Simko, studio A512

Jezebel by Denise Rainis, studio 418

Resting Spot by Kathy Lennon Clericuzio, studio 202N

Among the many works on display are several by WAS artists. Valerie Borgal, Joe Lapiana, Jack Homes, Art Ferrier, Kathy Lennon Clericuzio, Nita Leger Casey, Laurie Simko, Suzanne Hodge, Margot Mam Thach Ilene Richard, and Denise Rainis all have works represented in the show. Congratulations to Laurie Simko, who has three pieces in the show, one of which earned her a Whistler Award.

The “Kingdom Animalia” exhibit runs through June 18th. The museum is open to visitors Weds through Saturday, 11:00 to 4:00. Or visit the artists themselves in their studios the first Saturday of every month during Open Studios to see more of their work.

Happy National Proposal Day! Of course the artists at Western Avenue Studios are very inspired by love and marriage . . . and many have work that they cater specifically to couples looking to get married.

Cuddle up under one of these handcrafted quilts by Cathy Granese, studio #512

Something Blue necklace by Gwen Stith, studio #512

Soapy wedding favors by Amaranth & Rue Handmade Soaps, studio #A411, can be made in any shape, color, or scent to match your wedding

Ceramics by Nooshin, studio #A303, creates ready made or custom serving dishes for that special wedding or anniversary cake.

These morse code necklaces made by Liz Stewart, of Lush Beads studio #A205, can spell out messages like “Love”

Scrapsapiens first dance, by Derek McGearty, studio #A210

Looking for something blue? Or the perfect earrings for your bridesmaids? Regina McGearty, of Walk on the Moon Studios #A206, makes Swarovski Crystal stud earrings that are available in over 60 colors for Bride or Bridesmaids!

Lips blams, soaps, bath soaks, and more naturally luxurious bath, body, and beauty items from Amaranth & Rue Handmade Soaps in studio #A411, make great gifts for the bridal party and can be created with custom colors or messages from the bride.

Turn your wedding vows or the lyrics of your song into a morse code bracelet at Lush Beads in studio a205

Blue Love, acrylic painting by Kay Wray

Scrapsapiens walking hand in hand by Derek McGearty, studio a210

Sometimes all you need to say are those three special little words. Novelty notecard by Amaranth & Rue, studio #A411

Derek McGearty’s Scrapsapiens, in studio A210, are enjoying a romantic dinner, complete with violin music

Any currently engaged couples, or people dreaming of the day the ywill be engaged, Western Avenue Studios will be having their very first Bridal Fair during Open Studios on May 6th in the Onyx Room. This unique wedding expo will be accompanied by three nights of a wedding themed Wearable Art Extravaganza – part fashion show, part performance art, part art exhibit the event will be a fun night out whether you’re wedding planning or not.

There’s a lot of good reasons why artists decide to get studios at Western Avenue Studios. Community, a place to create, a beautiful historic setting. The dog-friendly nature of the building is just one great added bonus. Studio dogs are such a day to day feature of being an artist at Western Ave Studios that the hashtag #Dogs ofWesternAve has popped up on Instagram and Facebook. The life of a studio dog is a pretty exhausting one, as you can tell by seeing these hard-working pups in action:

Of course, if you’re going to put a bunch of creative people in one spot and then add some dogs into the mix you’re going to end up with lots of art about pets and for pets and for their owners.

Many of the dogs of Western Ave have become the subjects of the colorful dog paintings done by artist Ilene Richard in studio 325

Lois Mitchell in Loft 213 can make a custom pet portrait for you based off a photograph

Amaranth & Rue, studio A411, recently expanded their line of naturally luxurious soaps and skincare to include pet products like paw and nose balm and doggie shampooch as well.

Of course not every place is as quick to allow people to have or bring their pets. Luckily Jay Hungate, studio 524, has some adoptable beasts of a much different sort that should appeal to those who don’t have the space, time, or inclination for a dog.

As the old saying goes, home is where the heart is, so maybe it should come as no surprise that house portraits have seen increasing popularity in recent years. Whether you’re looking to honor your own house, give a thoughtful housewarming gift, or to create a gift that will remind your parents of your beloved childhome home Western Avenue Studios has many artists that create custom house portraits. Here are some artists to consider if a custom home portrait is in your future.

Now through November 29th at the Loading Dock Gallery. Natural Selection: Selected works from Jack Holmes, Photographer & Laurie Simko, Painter Opening Reception this Saturday November 7th from 5-7pm

Wood Sculptor David Crane has a solo exhibit at The Gallery at Villageworks, 525 Mass Ave in West Acton, MA There will be an Artists reception on Friday, November 13th from 6-7:30pm

Angela Ales and Cheryl Polcaro both have pieces in the small group show “The Human Condition” at Galatea Gallery in Boston. The show opens on Saturday November 7th and runs through the end of the month.

Abundance: A solo show featuring encaustic paintings by Nancy Tobey will be at the Mandarin Asian Bistro in Lowell from November 3rd through January 2nd

MALE BONE MAN / from ALIENATION SERIES was awarded THIRD PLACE! Congratulations Garry!!

Catch Ilene Richard at the show Strokes of Genius: Women Artists of New England- Past and Present; Contemporary Women artists from the National Association of Women Artists. Rockport Art Association, Rockport, MA October 10th-November 14th LAST CHANCE!

First Saturday is here! Visit more than 100 Western Avenue Artists who will Open their doors for browsing, shopping, learning and demonstrations. What a perfect way to spend a beautiful Saturday! See you there.

Now through November 29th at the Loading Dock Gallery. Natural Selection: Selected works from Jack Holmes, Photographer & Laurie Simko, Painter Opening Reception this Saturday November 7th from 5-7pm

Wood Sculptor David Crane has a solo exhibit at The Gallery at Villageworks, 525 Mass Ave in West Acton, MA There will be an Artists reception on Friday, November 13th from 6-7:30pm

Angela Ales and Cheryl Polcaro both have pieces in the small group show “The Human Condition” at Galatea Gallery in Boston. The show opens on Saturday November 7th and runs through the end of the month.

Abundance: A solo show featuring encaustic paintings by Nancy Tobey will be at the Mandarin Asian Bistro in Lowell from November 3rd through January 2nd with an Opening Reception on Sunday November 8th from 4-6pm

MALE BONE MAN / from ALIENATION SERIES was awarded THIRD PLACE! Congratulations Garry!!

Catch Ilene Richard at the show Strokes of Genius: Women Artists of New England- Past and Present; Contemporary Women artists from the National Association of Women Artists. Rockport Art Association, Rockport, MA October 10th-November 14th

Abundance: A solo show featuring encaustic paintings by Nancy Tobey will be at the Mandarin Asian Bistro in Lowell from November 3rd through January 2nd with an Opening Reception on Sunday November 8th from 4-6pm

Catch Ilene Richard at the show Strokes of Genius: Women Artists of New England- Past and Present; Contemporary Women artists from the National Association of Women Artists. Rockport Art Association, Rockport, MA October 10th-November 14th with an

Western Avenue Studios and Western Avenue Lofts form the largest artist community of our kind on the East Coast, if not the country. Starting with 31 studios and 45 artists on one floor of one building in 2005 we have grown to 245 studios offering work space to more than 280 artists and 50 live/work lofts offering 70 artists the opportunity to live and work in a nurturing and supportive environment.